Base to switch an apparatus between slidable and non-slidable states

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a base to switch the apparatus between slidable and non-slidable states, for example a laboratory analysis device, wherein the base is adapted to be located on a flat surface, the base comprising a bottom section adapted to contact the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface, a movable section that is adapted to assume a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the retracted position, the movable section does not contact the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface, and, in the extended position, the movable section contacts the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 toGerman Patent Application No. DE 10 2016 123 457.5, filed on Dec. 5,2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the handling of heavy objects. Whilethe invention will primarily be described with reference to laboratoryanalysis apparatuses, the skilled person will understand that theinvention may also be applicable to other heavy devices or objects to beplaced on a working bench or a counter, such as heavy tools (forexample, box column drills), heavy domestic appliances (for example,fully automatic coffee machines), and to instruments and objects whichstand on the floor, such as domestic appliances (for example, washingmachines) and furniture (for example, wardrobes).

BACKGROUND

One example of handling heavy objects is the handling of heavylaboratory analysis apparatuses. Such an apparatus is typically placedon a working bench. When using such laboratory analysis apparatuses,different situations may occur. When an analysis is performed with suchlaboratory analysis apparatuses, it is desirable that they stand firmlyon the working bench. One example of such a laboratory analysisapparatus is a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) apparatus.Another example may be a centrifuge. When such a centrifuge is used, itis desirable that is stands firmly while centrifugation is performed.Otherwise, the centrifuge may move on the working bench, deterioratingthe results, potentially breaking other equipment on the working bench,potentially falling off the working bench and/or causing harm to theuser. It will therefore be understood that there are situations where itis desirable to have the laboratory analysis apparatuses firmly andsafely standing on the working bench. However, it may also be desirableto alter the location of a laboratory analysis apparatus on the workingbench. For example, when the centrifuge has been used, it may bedesirable to alter its location (e.g., to put it further away from theforward end of the working bench), thereby making room for otherequipment or for cleaning the section of the working bench where thecentrifuge was placed when operating. Thus, there may also be situationswhere it is desirable that the laboratory analysis apparatus can bemoved easily on the working bench.

There are different potential solutions to the object of having anobject standing firmly on the bench and moving it when desired.Typically, when considering this object, the feet of the apparatushousing are relevant. In general, a distinction is made between housingfeet which adhere to the laboratory bench and those which slide on it.In this case, the material of the housing foot and the coefficient offriction thereof are relevant. The choice of materials with highcoefficients of friction, typically elastomers, makes undesirableshifting of the laboratory analysis device on the laboratory bench moredifficult (thus, such housing feet may provide a more stable stand). Onthe other hand, if manual shifting on the laboratory bench is to be madepossible, materials with low coefficients of friction are typicallychosen.

In the described application, because of the technical trends bothproperties of the housing foot are required: the laboratory analysisdevice should stand in a slip-resistant manner on the laboratory bench,but it should be possible for it to be shifted manually in auser-friendly manner. In addition to the above described scenario, theshifting on the laboratory bench may be desirable for various reasons,for example if: after the installation the laboratory analysis device isto be shifted to the ultimate location; further devices are set upalongside the laboratory analysis device and therefore rearrangement isnecessary; unwanted liquid has run underneath the laboratory analysisdevice and must be wiped up for safety reasons; components andconnections on the rear of the laboratory analysis device are to bereplaced. That is, there are different scenarios where shifting orrelocation of the laboratory device is desirable.

One problem with some existing devices is that they may not combine bothproperties (adhesion and slidability) with one another even by acorresponding choice of materials for the housing foot.

There are different known solutions to this problem.

A first solution is to find a compromise with respect to the coefficientof friction. That is, the coefficient of friction of the housing foot ischosen so that the laboratory analysis device is reasonablyslip-resistant and at the same time can be shifted with greater effort.However, this may have the following disadvantages: It is not possibleto achieve complete slip resistance, since the coefficient of frictionmust be reduced. It is also not possible to achieve substantialuser-friendliness since, in addition to the substantial force which isnecessary, stick-slip can occur during movement.

According to another solution, the housing feet are replaced by lockablefixed and swivel castors. That is, the laboratory analysis device standson correspondingly dimensioned fixed and swivel castors which areprovided with a lockable brake. However, this may have the followingdisadvantages: The fixed and swivel castors require space in terms ofheight and as a result in many cases it is difficult to reconcile themwith design standards. Furthermore, the lockable brake is not easy forthe user to reach, since it is located directly on the castor and thusalso on the rear of the laboratory analysis device. In this case it ishardly possible to check the state of the brake (locked or unlocked) ina simple manner and thus to check the risk that the laboratory analysisdevice is in the unwanted slidable state. Also the laboratory analysisdevice with the brake locked is not completely slip-resistant; it canstill carry out slight movements, since the swivel castors allow slightswiveling movements.

Another solution employs vertically adjustable housing feet. The housingfeet can, for example, be slidable and extendable downwards manually bymeans of a thread or can be retracted into the underside of thelaboratory analysis device, while the underside the underside of thelaboratory analysis device can be adherent. That is, when the feet areretracted, the adherent underside of the laboratory device contacts theworking bench (prohibiting movement) and when the feet are extended,sliding or movement of the laboratory analysis device is allowed.However, such a solution may have the following disadvantages: Thehousing foot must be retracted/extended against the weight of thelaboratory analysis device. As a result, the user-friendlinessdiminishes if the weight is considerable. Moreover, the mechanism forvertical adjustment must be designed appropriately robustly and as aresult is in many cases difficult to reconcile with design standards.Furthermore, the overall height of the laboratory analysis devicechanges with the retraction or extension of the housing feet, resultingfor example in disadvantages in the mechanical connection to adjacentdevices or in relation to design standards.

A still further solution employs the retrospective application ofsliding or adherent underlays. That is, the friction between thelaboratory bench and the laboratory analysis device is changed bymanually pushing plates or films made of corresponding materials(adherent or slidable) underneath the device. However, this may have thefollowing disadvantages: The laboratory analysis device must be liftedup manually for the plate or film to be pushed underneath it. If thedevice has a substantial weight this is often only possible with anadditional tool and the user-friendliness is considerably impaired as aresult. Moreover, due to the manual lifting the laboratory analysisdevice is moved into a distinctly inclined position so that, forexample, parts which are set up or possibly also attached parts at thetop must first of all be removed.

SUMMARY

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention toovercome or at least alleviate the shortcomings and disadvantages of theprior art. In other words, it is an object of the present invention toenable the user to conveniently switch from a non-sliding state of anapparatus to a sliding state of the apparatus. The switching mechanismshould be robust and fail safe.

According to a first embodiment, these objects are met by a base for anapparatus, wherein the base is adapted to be located on a flat surface,the base comprising a bottom section adapted to contact the flat surfacewhen the base is located on the flat surface, and a movable section thatis adapted to assume a retracted position and an extended position,wherein, in the retracted position, the movable section does not contactthe flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface, and, inthe extended position, the movable section contacts the flat surfacewhen the base is located on the flat surface.

As will be understood, a user may set the movable section to theretracted position and to the extended position. Typically, the movablesection may have a higher friction with the flat surface than the bottomsection. Thus, the overall friction of the base is typically higher inthe extended position of the movable section than it is in the retractedposition. Thus, a user may switch the base from a “sliding state” (wherethe movable section is in the retracted position) to a “non-slidingstate” (where the movable section is in the extended position). This mayprovide a convenient, user-friendly, robust and fail-safe mechanism forthe user to switch the base between the two discussed states. The abovediscussed objects may thus be fulfilled by the present invention.

Put differently, the bottom section defines a plane and the movablesection is adapted to assume different positions. In one position, whichmay be referred to as the retracted position, the movable section isfurther retracted than the plane defined by the bottom section. In sucha configuration, when the base is placed on a flat surface, the movablesection would not contact the flat surface. In another position, whichmay be referred to as the extended position, the movable section andparticularly the end section is on level with the plane defined by thebottom section. Thus, when the base is placed on a flat surface, themovable section would contact the flat surface in such a position.

In still other words, the invention provides a sliding underside orbottom section of a base (e.g., of a laboratory analysis device). Inaddition, however, an adherent movable section (which may be realized ashousing feet) are attached, which may be provided with a spring means.In this case the spring means presses the adherent housing foot awayfrom the underside of the laboratory analysis device and against thelaboratory bench. Thus the laboratory analysis device stands on theslidable underside, but is slip-resistant (=adherent state) due to theextended adherent housing feet. The adherent housing feet can beretracted into the underside by means of an operating element againstthe spring means, so that the laboratory analysis device only contactsthe laboratory bench with the slidable underside (=slidable state). Inthis case the operating elements show the slidable state very clearly.

The movable section may comprise an end section adapted to contact theflat surface in the extended position.

The end section may have a coefficient of static friction with respectto a working bench having a melamine resin coating that is higher thanthe coefficient of static friction of the bottom section with respect tothe working bench having a melamine resin coating.

It will be understood that thus, the extended position will be thenon-sliding state, as the overall friction will be higher when themovable section is in the extended position.

When the term coefficient of static friction with respect to the workingbench having a melamine resin coating is used herein, it should beunderstood that the respective coefficient of static friction betweenthe material of the section of the apparatus and the described workingbench having a melamine resin coating is meant. Furthermore, thecoefficient of static friction should be understood to be thecoefficient of static friction under standard conditions for ambienttemperature and pressure (i.e., 298.15 K=25° C. and absolute pressure of1 bar).

The coefficient of static friction of the bottom section with respect toa working bench having a melamine resin coating may be below 0.5,preferably below 0.3, further preferably below 0.15.

For example, this coefficient may be 0.1. That is, the coefficienttypically is above 0.05.

The coefficient of static friction of the end section with respect to aworking bench having a melamine resin coating may exceed 0.3, preferablyexceeds 0.5, further preferably exceeds 0.7.

The end section may comprise an elastomer and in particular athermoplastic elastomer.

The end section may have an area in the range of 100 to 10,000 (mm)²,preferably 500 to 1,000 (mm)² adapted to contact the flat surface in theextended position.

For example, the area may be 800 (mm)². It will be understood that thisis the area the end section of one movable section. In case more movablesections (such as two movable sections) are provided, each such sectionmay have the above discussed area.

The base may further comprise a forcing element forcing the movablesection to the extended position.

Thus, the extended position (typically corresponding to the non-slidingconfiguration) may be the default state, which may be a particularlyfail safe configuration. Furthermore, by choice of the forcing elementand the force it exerts, one may define the “stopping effect” themovable section has. It will be understood that the “stopping effect”,i.e., the friction due to the movable section, depends on the force theforcing element exerts and the coefficient of static friction, as thestatic friction of this component is the product of the force of theforcing element and the coefficient of static friction.

The forcing element may be adapted to force the movable section to theextended position with a force in the range of 1 to 100 N, preferably 5to 50 N, further preferably 7 to 12 N.

For example, the forcing element may be adapted to force the movablesection to the extended section with a force of 9 N.

The forcing element may be a hydraulic forcing element.

The force may be controllable by the hydraulic forcing element.

The forcing element may be a biasing element.

The basing element may be a spring.

For example, the spring may be a spring with a spring constant of 5 N/mmand the spring may be displaced from the equilibrium position by 1.8 mm,such that the force provided by the spring is 9 N. However, the skilledperson will understand that this is merely exemplary.

The spring may be an injected molded spring.

This may make the production of the spring very simple.

The movable section may be movable between the retracted and theextended position by means of a linear movement. Such a linear movementmay be a particularly simple and fail safe embodiment of the movablesection. Furthermore, when the movable section is adapted for suchlinear movement, the overall space required for the movable section andfor its movement may be relatively low.

The base may comprise a base section of an actuation mechanism and themovable section may be adapted to switch from the extended position tothe retracted position when actuated by the actuation mechanism.

Therein the movable section may be adapted to switch from the retractedposition to the extended position when actuated by the actuationmechanism.

The actuation mechanism may be adapted to assume a first position whenthe movable section is in the retracted position, and a second positionwhen the movable section is in the extended position, wherein the firstand second positions of the actuation mechanism are different from oneanother and are visible to a user.

Thus, the actuation mechanism may visualize in which position themovable section is. This may enhance the fail safety of the base, as itis less likely that the movable section will be inadvertently set orleft in the retracted position.

The actuation mechanism may further comprise a disconnectable sectionthat is connectable to and disconnectable from the base.

The disconnectable section may be disconnectable from the base when themovable section is in the extended position, but not disconnectable fromthe base when the movable section is in the retracted position.

Again, this may increase the fail safety of the mechanism, as by this,it is clear to the user when the movable section is in the retractedposition (and thus, the base is in the sliding state), as such aposition and state are indicated by the disconnectable section of theactuation mechanism being connected to the base.

The base section of the actuation mechanism may be a lock.

The base may comprise a plurality of movable sections.

It will be understood that the features that have been described abovewith reference to one movable section may also be implemented in morethan one movable section. That is, each of the movable sections isadapted to assume a retracted position and an extended position,wherein, in the retracted position, the movable section does not contactthe flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface, and, inthe extended position, the movable section contacts the flat surfacewhen the base is located on the flat surface. Furthermore, each movablesection may also have any of the features described above as an optionalfeature for the movable section.

The actuation mechanism may be adapted to actuate all of the pluralityof movable sections simultaneously.

The base may comprise a plurality of base sections of actuationmechanisms, and each actuation mechanism may be adapted to switch onemovable section from the extended position to the retracted positionwhen actuated by the actuation mechanism.

The movable section may be adapted not to assume any position where themovable section extends beyond a plane defined by the bottom section.

The end section may be connected to the remainder of the movable sectionby injection molding.

The bottom section may have an area in the range of 300 to 30,000 (mm)²adapted to contact the flat surface, preferably 1,000 to 5,000 (mm)²,further preferably 2,000 to 4,000 (mm)².

The bottom section may be made of a polyamide.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to an apparatuscomprising the base discussed above.

The apparatus may be a laboratory analysis device.

The apparatus may be a tool.

The apparatus may be a domestic appliance.

The apparatus may be a piece of furniture.

The apparatus may have a weight in the range of 10 to 1000 kg,preferably 30 to 150 kg, further preferably 80 to 120 kg.

The force may be smaller than the weight force of the apparatus. Inparticular, it will be understood that the overall force exerted by themovable section(s) is smaller than the weight force of the apparatus.For example, in case two movable sections are employed and the apparatusweights 100 kg, roughly corresponding to a weight force of 1,000 N, theoverall force of the forcing elements typically is less than 1,000 N.For example, the overall force of the forcing elements may be 400 N andeach of the two forcing elements may be adapted to exert a force of 200N.

The invention also relates to a disconnectable section of an actuationmechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is adapted to switch themovable section of the discussed base with the actuation mechanism fromthe extended position to the retracted position, wherein thedisconnectable section is connectable to and disconnectable from thebase.

The actuation mechanism may comprise any of the features recited abovewith respect to the actuation mechanism.

The disconnectable section may be a key.

The disconnectable section may have a signal color. Thus, the indicationof the state the base assumes may be clearly visible to the user.

The present invention also relates to a system comprising the basediscussed above and comprising the part of the actuation mechanism andthe disconnectable section of the actuation mechanism discussed above.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system comprising theapparatus discussed above and comprising the part of the actuationmechanism and the disconnectable section of the actuation mechanismdiscussed above.

The disconnectable section may have a different color than the color ofthe base. Again, this may help to clearly indicate the state the base isin.

Further still, the present invention also relates to a use of the basediscussed above, the apparatus discussed above or the system discussedabove, wherein the use comprises locating the base on a flat surface,moving the base on the flat surface while the movable section is in theretracted position and does not contact the flat surface, and moving themovable section from the retracted to the extended position such that itcontacts the flat surface.

The apparatus may be a laboratory analysis device and the flat surfacemay be a working bench.

The apparatus may also be a tool and the flat surface may be a workingbench.

The apparatus may be a domestic appliance and the flat surface may be akitchen counter.

The apparatus may be a domestic appliance and the flat surface may be afloor.

The coefficient of static friction of the apparatus when the movablesection is in the extended position may exceed the coefficient of staticfriction of the apparatus when the movable section is in the retractedposition.

More particularly, the coefficient of static friction of the apparatuswhen the movable section is in the extended position may be at least 1.5times, preferably at least 2 times, further preferably at least 4 timesthe coefficient of static friction of the apparatus when the movablesection is in the retracted position.

The flat surface may be made of a melamine resin.

That is, in general terms, the invention provides an alternation betweenadherent and slidable state of the base and/or the apparatus (which maybe a laboratory analysis device). This alteration is done by means of amovable section (e.g., housing feet) that typically do not act counterto the weight of the laboratory analysis device. An adherent surface ispressed onto the laboratory bench, so that the laboratory analysisdevice can no longer be shifted by manual pulling or pressing or byvibration, etc. The force with which the surface is pressed onto thelaboratory bench may be adapted to the coefficient of friction of thesurface and the maximum shifting force.

Generally speaking, the present invention enables the apparatus (e.g.the laboratory analysis device) not only to stand in a slip-resistantmanner on the laboratory bench, but if need be it is possible for it tobe shifted manually in a user-friendly manner. Additionally, thefollowing objects may also be met by the present invention:

The movable section(s) (which, in some embodiments may be housing feet)should be inconspicuous and should not have a negative influence on thedesign (esthetics) of the base and/or the apparatus (e.g., thelaboratory analysis device). This may be attained by not allowing themovable section(s) to extend further than the plane defined by thebottom section. Thus, the overall height of the base and the apparatusare unaltered.

The movable or sliding state of the base and the apparatus should beclearly visible to the user, e.g. the laboratory analysis device shouldnot be unintentionally movable on the laboratory bench, the slidablestate should be unambiguously discernible. This may be attained, e.g.,by including the discussed actuation mechanism.

Ideally, manual operating elements (e.g., of the actuation mechanism)may be user-friendly and easy to reach. This may differentiate thepresent invention and the discussed actuation mechanisms, e.g., fromprior art castor mechanisms, where the actuation elements may bedifficult to reach.

The mechanism may be robust and fail-safe in order to prevent unwantedshifting or slipping.

The overall height of the laboratory analysis device may remainunchanged during all user actions. Again, this may be attained by notallowing the movable section to extend further than the plane defined bythe bottom section. For example, this may be attained by the choice ofthe force of the forcing element(s) not exceeding the weight force ofthe apparatus.

The production methods and the materials used may be adapted forcost-effective mass production.

To summarize, the invention and its discussed embodiments may have thefollowing advantages over known approaches:

Conventional housing feet may be employed in order to meet designstandards with regard to esthetics. The use of fixed and swivel castorscan thus be avoided.

It is unambiguously discernible whether the base and thus the apparatus(e.g., the laboratory analysis device) is in the adherent or slidablestate, since the operating elements unmistakably indicate the state.

The overall height of the apparatus (e.g., the laboratory analysisdevice) is not changed when alternating between the adherent andslidable states. In this way mechanical connections to adjacent devicesare not hampered, and two devices mechanically connected to one anothercan be moved, for example, simultaneously on the laboratory bench.

No actions are necessary which act against the force of the weight ofthe apparatus (e.g., the laboratory analysis device). The actuation ofthe operating elements only has to be carried against the spring forceand, moreover, is easy to achieve, resulting in a high degree ofuser-friendliness.

The user-friendliness is further increased considerably, since the baseand the apparatus (e.g., the laboratory analysis device) can betransferred at any time without awkward intermediate steps into theslidable state.

The production costs may comparatively low since no mechanically robustparts such as ball bearings etc. have to be employed. The invention canbe implemented completely with cost-effective injection moldings.

That is, the present invention meets its objects with regard to bothuser-friendliness (flexibility) and design standards (esthetics).

The present invention is also defined by the following numberedembodiments.

Below, base embodiments will be discussed. These “base embodiments” areidentified by a “B” followed by a number. Whenever reference is hereinmade to base embodiments, those embodiments are meant.

B1. A base (100) for an apparatus (10), wherein the base (100) isadapted to be located on a flat surface (20), the base (100) comprisinga bottom section (102) adapted to contact the flat surface (20) when thebase (100) is located on the flat surface (20), a movable section (104)that is adapted to assume a retracted position and an extended position,wherein, in the retracted position, the movable section (104) does notcontact the flat surface (20) when the base (100) is located on the flatsurface (20), and, in the extended position, the movable section (104)contacts the flat surface (20) when the base (100) is located on theflat surface (20).

B2. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein themovable section (104) comprises an end section (106) adapted to contactthe flat surface (20) in the extended position.

B3. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein theend section (106) has a coefficient of static friction with respect to aworking bench having a melamine resin coating that is higher than thecoefficient of static friction of the bottom section (104) with respectto the working bench having a melamine resin coating.

B4. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the coefficient of static friction of the bottom section (104)with respect to a working bench having a melamine resin coating is below0.5, preferably below 0.3, further preferably below 0.15.

For example, this coefficient may be 0.1. That is, the coefficienttypically is above 0.05.

B5. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments withthe features of embodiment B2, wherein the coefficient of staticfriction of the end section (106) with respect to a working bench havinga melamine resin coating exceeds 0.3, preferably exceeds 0.5, furtherpreferably exceeds 0.7.

B6. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments withthe features of embodiment B2, wherein the end section (106) comprisesan elastomer.

B7. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments withthe feature of embodiment B2, wherein the end section (106) has an areain the range of 100 to 10,000 (mm)², preferably 500 to 1,000 (mm)²adapted to contact the flat surface (20) in the extended position.

For example, the area may be 800 (mm)². It will be understood that thisis the area the end section of one movable section. In case more movablesections (such as two movable sections) are provided, each such sectionmay have the above discussed area.

B8. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the base (100) further comprises a forcing element (108) forcingthe movable section (104) to the extended position.

B9. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein theforcing element (108) is adapted to force the movable section (104) tothe extended position with a force (F1) in the range of 1 to 100 N,preferably 5 to 50 N, further preferably 7 to 12 N.

For example, the forcing element may be adapted to force the movablesection to the extended section with a force of 9 N.

B10. The base (100) according to any of the 2 preceding embodiments,wherein the forcing element (108) is a hydraulic forcing element.

B11. The base according to the preceding embodiment and with thefeatures of embodiment B9, wherein the force (F1) can be controlled bythe hydraulic forcing element.

B12. The base (100) according to any of the embodiments B8 or B9,wherein the forcing element (108) is a biasing element (108).

B13. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein thebasing element (108) is a spring.

B14. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein thespring is an injected molded spring.

B15. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the movable section (104) is movable between the retracted andthe extended position by means of a linear movement.

B16. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the base (100) comprises a base section (103) of an actuationmechanism and wherein the movable section (104) is adapted to switchfrom the extended position to the retracted position when actuated bythe actuation mechanism.

B17. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein themovable section (104) is adapted to switch from the retracted positionto the extended position when actuated by the actuation mechanism.

B18. The base (100) according to any of the preceding 2 embodiments,wherein the actuation mechanism is adapted to assume a first positionwhen the movable section (104) is in the retracted position, and asecond position when the movable section (104) is in the extendedposition, wherein the first and second positions of the actuationmechanism are different from one another and are visible to a user.

B19. The base (100) according to any of the preceding 3 embodiments,wherein the actuation mechanism further comprises a disconnectablesection (202) that is connectable to and disconnectable from the base(100).

B20. The base (100) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein thedisconnectable section (202) is disconnectable from the base (100) whenthe movable section (104) is in the extended position, but notdisconnectable from the base (100) when the movable section (104) is inthe retracted position.

B21. The base (100) according to any of the preceding 5 embodiments,wherein the base section of the actuation mechanism is a lock.

B22. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the base (100) comprises a plurality of movable sections (104).

B23. The base (100) according the preceding embodiment and with thefeatures of embodiment B16, wherein the actuation mechanism is adaptedto actuate all of the plurality of movable sections (104)simultaneously.

B24. The base (100) according to the penultimate embodiment and with thefeatures of embodiment B16, wherein the base (100) comprises a pluralityof base sections of actuation mechanisms, and wherein each actuationmechanism is adapted to switch one movable section (104) from theextended position to the retracted position when actuated by theactuation mechanism.

B25. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the movable section (104) is adapted not to assume any positionwhere the movable section (104) extends beyond a plane defined by thebottom section (102).

B26. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments withthe features of embodiment B2, wherein the end section (106) isconnected to the remainder of the movable section (104) by injectionmolding.

B27. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the bottom section (102) has an area in the range of 300 to30.000 (mm)² adapted to contact the flat surface (20), preferably 1,000to 5,000 (mm)², further preferably 2,000 to 4,000 (mm)².

B28. The base (100) according to any of the preceding embodiments,wherein the bottom section (102) is made of a polyamide.

Below, apparatus embodiments will be discussed. These “apparatusembodiments” are identified by an “A” followed by a number. Wheneverreference is herein made to apparatus embodiments, those embodiments aremeant.

A1. An apparatus (10) comprising the base of any of the precedingembodiments.

A2. The apparatus (10) according to the preceding embodiment, whereinthe apparatus is a laboratory analysis device.

A3. The apparatus (10) according to embodiment A1, wherein the apparatusis a tool.

A4. The apparatus (10) according to embodiment A1, wherein the apparatusis a domestic appliance.

A5. The apparatus according to embodiment A1, wherein the apparatus is apiece of furniture.

A6. The apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding apparatusembodiments, wherein the apparatus has a weight in the range of 10 to1000 kg, preferably 30 to 150 kg, further preferably 80 to 120 kg.

A7. The apparatus (10) according to any of the preceding apparatusembodiments with the features of embodiment B9, wherein the force (F1)is smaller than the weight force of the apparatus (10).

T1. A disconnectable section (202) of an actuation mechanism, whereinthe actuation mechanism is adapted to switch the movable section (104)of the base (100) of any of the preceding embodiments with the featuresof embodiment 19 from the extended position to the retracted position,wherein the disconnectable section (202) is connectable to anddisconnectable from the base (100).

T2. The disconnectable section (202) of an actuation mechanism accordingto the preceding embodiment, wherein the actuation mechanism comprisesany of the features recited in embodiments B18 and B20.

T3. The disconnectable section (202) of an actuation mechanism accordingany of the preceding 2 embodiments, wherein the disconnectable section(202) is a key.

T4. The disconnectable section (202) of an actuation mechanism accordingany of the preceding 3 embodiments, wherein the disconnectable section(202) has a signal color.

Below, system embodiments will be discussed. These “system embodiments”are identified by an “S” followed by a number. Whenever reference isherein made to system embodiments, those embodiments are meant.

S1. A system comprising the base (100) according to any of the precedingbase embodiments with the features of embodiment B19 and thedisconnectable section (202) of an actuation mechanism according to anyof the embodiments T1 to T4.

S2. A system comprising the apparatus according to any of the precedingapparatus embodiments with the features of embodiment B19, thedisconnectable section (202) of an actuation mechanism according to anyof the embodiments T1 to T4.

S3. The system according to any of the preceding system embodiments,wherein the disconnectable section (202) has a different color than thecolor of the base (100).

Below, use embodiments will be discussed. These “use embodiments” areidentified by an “U” followed by a number. Whenever reference is hereinmade to use embodiments, those embodiments are meant.

U1. Use of the base (100) according to any of the preceding baseembodiments, the apparatus (10) according to any of the precedingapparatus embodiments or the system according to any of the precedingsystem embodiments, wherein the use comprises locating the base (100) ona flat surface (20), moving the base (100) on the flat surface (20)while the movable section (104) is in the retracted position and doesnot contact the flat surface (20), and moving the movable section (104)from the retracted to the extended position such that it contacts theflat surface (20).

U2. Use according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the apparatus(10) is a laboratory analysis device and wherein the flat surface (20)is a working bench.

U3. Use according to the penultimate embodiment, wherein the apparatus(10) is a tool and the flat surface (20) is a working bench.

U4. Use according to embodiment U1, wherein the apparatus (10) is adomestic appliance and the flat surface (20) is a kitchen counter.

U5. Use according to embodiment U1, wherein the apparatus (10) is adomestic appliance and the flat surface (20) is a floor.

U6. Use according to any of the preceding use embodiments, wherein anapparatus (10) is used, wherein the coefficient of static friction ofthe apparatus (10) when the movable section (104) is in the extendedposition exceeds the coefficient of static friction of the apparatus(10) when the movable section is in the retracted position.

U7. Use according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the coefficientof static friction of the apparatus (10) when the movable section (104)is in the extended position is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2times, further preferably at least 4 times the coefficient of staticfriction of the apparatus (10) when the movable section is in theretracted position.

U8. Use according to any of the preceding use embodiments, wherein theflat surface (20) is made of a melamine resin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to particularembodiments that should exemplify, but not limit the scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 depicts a base of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of the base of FIG. 2 in a firststate;

FIG. 4 depicts an actuation mechanism employed in embodiments of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of the base of FIG. 2 in a secondstate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus 10 that is placed on a surface 20. In thepresent embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be a laboratory analysisapparatus or laboratory analysis device 10 and the surface 20 may be aworking bench 20. However, this is merely exemplary and should not beunderstood to be limiting. FIG. 1 also depicts a base 100 of theapparatus 10. While in the present embodiment, the base 100 is a part ofthe apparatus 10, this is not a necessity. It may also be possible thatthe base 100 is a stand-alone device for retrofitting existingapparatuses and/or for placing other apparatus into.

FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged view of the base 100. Base 100 comprises abottom section or bottom surface 102 and in the present embodiment twobottom surface sections 102 are depicted. The bottom surface 102 mayalso be referred to as the underside 102 of the base 100. As will beunderstood, the bottom surface 102 is adapted to contact the surface 20when the base 10 is placed on the surface 20. The base 100 alsocomprises a section 104 that is movable from a retracted position to anextended position. Section 104 may also be referred to as foot section104 or simply as foot 104.

Further details of the movable section 104 are depicted in FIG. 3. Themovable section comprises an end section 106, which end section 106comprises a material with a high friction coefficient. As will beunderstood, the end section 106 is adapted to contact the surface 20when the base 100 is in use. More particularly, when the movable section104 is in the extended position (as depicted in FIG. 3), the end section106 contacts the surface 20 (which is a flat surface), and, when themovable section 104 is in the retracted position (as depicted in FIG.5), the end section 106 does not contact the surface 20. It will beappreciated that the overall friction of the base 100 on the surface 20will be higher when the movable section 104 is in the extended position.Thus, by means of extending/retracting the movable section 104, one mayadjust the friction and switch from a sliding configuration (i.e., aconfiguration with a lower overall friction) to a fixed configuration(i.e., a configuration with a higher overall friction).

As is depicted in FIG. 3, the base 100 also comprises a forcing element,that, in the depicted embodiment is realized as a spring element 108,which may be realized as a compression spring 108. The spring element108 urges the end section 106 towards the surface 20, i.e., towards theextended position, with a force identified as F1 in FIG. 3. As willfurther be understood, the base 100 (and any element placed on the base100) will also exert a weight force F2. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, the base 100 also comprises a snapping hook 110 adapted to snapinto a respective shoulder element.

More particularly, the movable section 104, which may be a high frictionor adherent housing foot 104, may be guided in a linear manner in thebase 100 of the laboratory analysis device 100 and can move up and downin the direction of the urging or spring force F1. It is provided on theunderside with an end section 106, which may be formed of an elastomerwhich may fixedly connected by means of two-component injection moldingprocesses and has a high coefficient of friction. Furthermore, asdiscussed, it is secured by means of snap-in hooks 110 against fallingout. The compression spring 108 presses the housing foot 104 downwardsagainst the laboratory bench surface 20 with the defined spring force,so that the laboratory analysis device is slip-resistant (=adherentstate). It will be understood that the weight of the laboratory analysisdevice F2 acts on the slidable underside 102 and preferably not on themovable section 104 (e.g., the housing foot). Typically, the springforce F1 may be less than the force F2 due to the weight of thelaboratory analysis device 10, so that the device 10 is not pressedupwards undesirably by the spring element or spring means 108.

As explained, by means of the described movable or extendable section104, it is possible to alter the friction the base 100 has on thesurface 20. In particular, one may switch from a “locked” or“high-friction” state where the section 104 contacts the surface 20 toan “unlocked” or “low-friction” state where the section 104 does notcontact the surface 20. That is, by switching between the extended andretracted state of the section 104, one may switch from a “slidingstate” to a “locked state” and vice versa. To switch from one state toanother, the base 100 may comprise an actuation mechanism as depicted inFIG. 4. In the depicted embodiment, the actuation mechanism comprises akey 202, which may comprise a key bit 204. As will be understood, thebase 100 may comprise a lock and the key may be connected to the lock.By turning the key 202, when the key 202 is connected to the lock, onemay switch between the different states described above.

According to one embodiment, the key is disconnectable from the base 100when the base 100 is in the “locked”, “high-friction” or “non-slidingstate”, but not disconnectable from the base 100 when the base 100 is inthe “unlocked”, “low-friction” or “sliding state”. This may serve as asafety measure to clearly indicate to the user when the base 100 is inthe latter state, such that it is not inadvertently left in the“unlocked” state.

This is also depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5: In the locked state of FIG. 3,the key 202 is not connected to the base 100 and in the unlocked stateof FIG. 5, the key 202 with key bit 204 is connected to the base 100.

With reference to FIG. 4 again, the actuation mechanism or operatingelement in the form of a key 202 may be attached to the laboratoryanalysis device 10 and more particularly to the base 100. The key 202can be inserted from the side 101 into the base 100 and in someembodiments into the housing foot 104. Subsequently the key 202 may berotated by 90°, so that the housing foot 104 is moved upwards by the keybit 204 against the compression spring 108. The spring force F1 now actson the key 202 (also see FIG. 5) and the housing foot 104 (or, moregenerally, the movable section 104) no longer touches the laboratorybench 20, so that the laboratory analysis device 10 can now be shiftedmanually (=slidable state). Due to the rotation, the key 202 may besimultaneously secured against withdrawal. In this way the key 202remains the laboratory analysis device 10 so long as the device 20 is inthe slidable state. The key 202 may be additionally colored with asignal color in order to make the slidable state clearly discernible forthe user. At any time the laboratory analysis device 10 can be returnedto the adherent state by turning the key 202 back and removing it again.

While in the above, a particular embodiment of the present invention wasdescribed, it should be understood that this embodiment is merelyexemplary and should not be construed to limit the invention. To thecontrary, it is possible to alter some of the discussed features withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

For example, while in the above, the present invention has beendescribed with reference to laboratory analysis device, it will beunderstood that the present invention may also be employed in otherdevices which stand on a working bench or a counter and cannot be liftedby one person alone in a user-friendly manner, for example, heavy toolssuch as, for example, box column drills, etc. and also heavy domesticappliances such as, for example, fully automatic coffee machines, etc.Furthermore, the invention is also not limited to instruments andobjects that stand on a working bench or a counter, but may also be usedin objects stand on the floor and for which the design standards do notprovide any fixed and swivel castors, for example, appliances such as,for example, washing machines, etc. and furniture such as, for example,wardrobes, etc.

Furthermore, it will be understood that the spring element or springmeans 108 can have a different configuration from that described above.The movable section 104 (also referred to as the adherent foot 104) canalso, for example, be pivoted out and in about an axis of rotation bymeans of a leg spring. In this way no linear guiding of the housing foot104 is necessary. Actuation is likewise conceivable by means of arotating traversing movement (screwing movement). In addition to thecompression spring described in the practical application, other springelements such as leaf springs, flexible springs or torsion springs canalso be used.

The actuation or operating elements (e.g., the key 202) can have adifferent configuration from that described above. This can be, forexample, integrated fixedly in the device and can be present in the formof a mechanical lever, switch or rotary knob. The actuation moves thehousing foot 104 according to the described principle into or out of thedevice 10, and more particularly, in an out of the base 100. In thiscase, after transfer into the slidable state, the lever, switch orrotary knob may project very visibly out of the device 10 and moreparticularly out of base 100. The operating elements can actuate themechanism either on each housing foot individually or also centrally.

Furthermore, the movement of the moveable section 104 (e.g., the housingfoot) may also be provided by another means than a lever, etc. Forexample, a pneumatic or hydraulic system may be used. Furthermore, thepressing force F1 (designated as the spring force F1 above) could alsobe produced hydraulically, instead of by a spring means, and could beregulated precisely.

Furthermore, the actuation of the mechanism can also take placeexclusively by means of a tool (for example, an Allen key) in order tomake unintended access difficult.

The production process may be further simplified (and the costs reduced)by forming the spring means 108 not as a bent wire part but likewise asan integrated injection molded part.

All these modifications are possible without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

Illustrative Example

In the illustrative example, a base 100 as described above was used. Thebase 100 had a bottom section 102 formed of polyamide and two movablesections 104, each having an end section 106 formed of a thermoplasticelastomer. The end sections 104 were each urged towards the extendedposition by means of a spring, respectively. The base 100 had an overallweight of approximately 4 kg and an additional element of 5 kg wasplaced on top of the base 100 (such that the complete setup had a weightof approximately 9 kg). This setup (with the base 100 and the additionalelement) was placed on a working bench (constituting the surface 20),which working bench had a coating of a melamine resin.

The setup was then pulled by using a force meter and it was monitored atwhich force the setup started to move. It will be understood that thisforce corresponds to the static friction the setup has. When the setupwas in the “sliding state”, i.e., when the movable section 106 was inthe retracted position, the set up started to move at a pulling force of9 N, roughly corresponding to an overall coefficient of static frictionof the overall setup of 0.1, as the overall weight force of 9 kg isapproximately 90 N.

When the setup was in the “non-sliding” state, i.e., when the movablesection 106 was in the extended position, the set up starting to move ata pulling force of 50 N, roughly corresponding to an overall coefficientof static friction of the overall setup of 0.55 (i.e., 50 N/90 N).

It will thus be understood that this illustrative example, as well asthe invention as such, provide a user-friendly, robust and fail safeopportunity of switching a device from a sliding state to a non-slidingstate.

Whenever a relative term, such as “about”, “substantially” or“approximately” is used in this specification, such a term should alsobe construed to also include the exact term. That is, e.g.,“substantially straight” should be construed to also include “(exactly)straight”.

Whenever steps were recited in the above or also in the appended claims,it should be noted that the order in which the steps are recited in thistext may be accidental. That is, unless otherwise specified or unlessclear to the skilled person, the order in which steps are recited may beaccidental. That is, when the present document states, e.g., that amethod comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean thatstep (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) isperformed (at least partly) simultaneously with step (B) or that step(B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, when a step (X) is said to precedeanother step (Z), this does not imply that there is no step betweensteps (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) encompasses thesituation that step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), but alsothe situation that (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), . . ., followed by step (Z). Corresponding considerations apply when termslike “after” or “before” are used.

While in the above, a preferred embodiment has been described withreference to the accompanying drawings, the skilled person willunderstand that this embodiment was provided for illustrative purposeonly and should by no means be construed to limit the scope of thepresent invention, which is defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A base for a laboratory analysis device, the basecomprising: a slidable underside adapted to contact a flat surface whenthe base is located on the flat surface that slides along the flatsurface when the base is pushed along the flat surface; a base section,the base section extending upwardly from an open bottom; a movable footreceived within the base section and adapted to have a retractedposition and an extended position, wherein, in the retracted position,the movable foot is positioned relatively upward within the base sectionand does not contact the flat surface when the base is located on theflat surface, and, in the extended position, the movable foot positionedrelatively downward within the base section and contacts the flatsurface when the base is located on the flat surface to resist slidingalong the flat surface, wherein the movable toot is adapted not toextend further than a plane defined by the slidable underside, anactuation mechanism comprising a disconnectabie section that isconnectable to and disconnectable from the base, wherein the movablefoot is adapted to switch from the extended position to the retractedposition when actuated by the disconnectable section, wherein thedisconnectable section is adapted to have a first position when themovable foot is in the retracted position, and a second position whenthe movable toot is in the extended position, wherein the first andsecond positions of the disconnectable section are different from oneanother, wherein the disconnectable section is disconnectable from thebase when the movable foot is in the extended position, but notdisconnectable from the base when the movable foot is in the retractedposition.
 2. The base according to claim 1, wherein the movable footcomprises: an end section adapted to contact the flat surface in theextended position, wherein the end section has a coefficient of staticfriction that is higher than a coefficient of static friction of theslidable underside.
 3. The base according to claim 1, in which themovable foot comprises an adherent foot.
 4. The base according to claim1, wherein the slidable underside includes a plurality of bottom surfacesections adapted to contact the flat surface when the base is located onthe flat surface.
 5. The base according to claim 1, wherein thedisconnectable section extends through a side of the base.
 6. The baseaccording to claim 1, wherein the disconnectable section comprises akey.
 7. The base according to claim 2 further comprising a forcingelement to force the movable foot to the extended position.
 8. The baseaccording to claim 7, wherein the forcing element comprises a spring. 9.The base according to claim 2, wherein the end section comprises anelastomer and is connected to the movable foot by a two componentinjection molding.
 10. A laboratory analysis device comprising a base,the base including: a slidable underside adapted to contact a flatsurface when the base is located on the flat surface that slides alongthe flat surface when the base is pushed along the flat surface; a basesection, the base section extending upwardly from an open bottom; amovable foot received within the base section and adapted to have aretracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the retractedposition, the movable foot is positioned relatively upward within thebase section and does not contact the flat surface when the base islocated on the flat surface, and, in the extended position, the movablefoot positioned relatively downward within the base section and contactsthe flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface to resistsliding along the flat surface, wherein the movable foot is adapted notto extend further than a plane defined by the slidable underside, anactuation mechanism comprising a disconnectable section that isconnectable to and disconnectabie from the base, wherein the movablefoot is adapted to switch from the extended position to the retractedposition when actuated by the disconnectable section, wherein thedisconnectable section is adapted to have a first position when themovable foot is in the retracted position, and a second position whenthe movable foot is in the extended position, wherein the first andsecond positions of the disconnectable section are different from oneanother, wherein the disconnectable section is disconnectable from thebase when the movable foot is in the extended position, but notdisconnectable from the base when the movable foot is in the retractedposition.
 11. The laboratory analysis device according to claim 10,wherein the movable foot comprises: an end section adapted to contactthe flat surface in the extended position, wherein the end section has acoefficient of static friction that is higher than a coefficient ofstatic friction of the slidable underside, wherein the base furthercomprises a forcing element to force the movable foot to the extendedposition, wherein the forcing element is adapted to force the movablefoot to the extended position with a force (F1), wherein the force (F1)is smaller than a weight force (F2) of the laboratory analysis device.12. The laboratory analysis device according to claim 11, wherein theforcing element comprises a spring.
 13. The laboratory analysis deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein the disconnectable section extendsthrough a side of the base.
 14. The laboratory analysis device accordingto claim 11, wherein the end section comprises an elastomer and isconnected to the movable foot by a two component injection molding. 15.The laboratory analysis device according to claim 10, wherein thedisconnectable section comprises a key.
 16. A method of locating andsliding a laboratory analysis device, the laboratory analysis devicecomprising a base, the base including: a slidable underside adapted tocontact a flat surface when the base is located on the flat surface thatslides along the flat surface when the base is pushed along the flatsurface; a base section, the base section extending upwardly from anopen bottom; a movable foot received within the base section and adaptedto have a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in theretracted position, the movable foot is positioned relatively upwardwithin the base section and does not contact the flat surface when thebase is located on the flat surface, and, in the extended position, themovable foot positioned relatively downward within the base section andcontacts the flat surface when the base is located on the flat surfaceto resist sliding along the flat surface, wherein the movable foot isadapted not to extend further than a plane defined by the slidableunderside; an actuation mechanism comprising a disconnectable sectionthat is connectable to and diseormectable from the base, wherein themovable foot is adapted to switch from the extended position to theretracted position when actuated by the disconnectable section, whereinthe disconnectable section is adapted to have a first position when themovable foot is in the retracted position, and a second position whenthe movable foot is in the extended position, wherein the first andsecond positions of the disconnectable section are different from oneanother, wherein the disconnectable section is disconnectable from thebase when the movable foot is in the extended position, but notdisconnectable from the base when the movable foot is in the retractedposition; the method comprising: locating the base on the flat surface;sliding the base on the flat surface while the movable foot is in theretracted position and does not contact the flat surface; and moving themovable foot with the actuation mechanism from the retracted to theextended position where the movable foot contacts the fiat surface. 17.The method according to claim 16, wherein a coefficient of staticfriction of the base when the movable foot is in the extended positionexceeds a coefficient of static friction of the base when the movablefoot is in the retracted position.